TAMPA — Dr. Elmira Mangum will lead Florida A&M University and Dr. John Kelly will lead Florida Atlantic University.

The Board confirmed both presidents Thursday after they spelled out their ambitious visions for their respective institutions as well as their goals for the System. Mangum and Kelly, who have excellent academic and administrative credentials, underwent rigorous selection processes at their own universities before interviewing with the Board.

“I join the entire State University System in congratulating our new presidents,” said Board Chair Mori Hosseini. “I also thank FAMU and FAU for selecting outstanding candidates.”

Each Board interview took more than an hour, during which time the presidents presented their goals for their institutions and expressed broad support for Board initiatives, from performance funding to aligning degrees with the needs of Florida’s workforce.

“The Board understands the need to advocate for more funding for higher education while recognizing the unique missions of each university,” Mangum said. “I think the model is a good one because it does hold us accountable.”

“I can’t imagine that the university I come from could have done what it has done if we did not have such attention to metrics,” said Kelly, referring to his role in strengthening Clemson University, where he was vice president of economic development. “Creating a plan, defining metrics and sticking to that plan can lead to enormous benefits for our universities.”

Mangum is the former vice president for planning and budget at Cornell University, where she managed the university’s resources and annual budgeting process. Among other accomplishments, she has been credited with helping the university overcome a structural deficit that impacted the university after the economic downturn.

Kelly is the former vice president of economic development at Clemson University, where he developed and implemented university policy, strategic planning, hiring strategies, communication and budgeting. He also served as executive director of the Clemson University Restoration Institute, where he built a highly collaborative team to educate students and direct research in energy systems.

“Dr. Mangum and Dr. Kelly are dedicated to access, accountability and academic quality, as made clear during today’s presentations,” said State University System Chancellor Marshall Criser III. “They are excellent fits for our System, and I look forward to working with them in the coming months and years.”